Should Maha Local Body Elections Use VVPAT for Transparency?

Mumbai, Aug 6 (NationPress) The Congress party has called for the upcoming local body elections in Maharashtra to utilize the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system to guarantee transparency. Should the implementation of VVPAT cause delays, they suggested conducting the elections via ballots.

Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar expressed strong disapproval of the State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare's comments on Tuesday, stating that VVPAT machines will not be employed for the civic and local self-government body elections.

Waghmare remarked, “In previous instances, VVPAT machines were not utilized for these local elections, and this time will be no different.”

Wadettiwar responded to the SEC's rationale, which indicated that the presence of multiple candidates in a single ward would require voters to cast four votes simultaneously, potentially leading to delays and crowding at polling stations.

Despite this, he emphasized the necessity of implementing VVPAT to conduct elections with utmost transparency.

“Voters deserve to know who they have voted for. Local body elections in Maharashtra should not proceed without VVPAT machines; if unavailable, the election should revert to using paper ballots,” he stated.

Additionally, commenting on the recent controversy regarding feeding pigeons, Wadettiwar accused the state government of misleading the Jain community.

The BJP recently highlighted the issue of Kabutar Khana (pigeon house), prompting action from the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation.

“When the Jain community protested, BJP ministers contradicted the BMC’s decision regarding the pigeon feeding ban at Dadar. This indicates that the government will make a decision and then reverse it. The administration is creating issues while pretending to support the Jain community. The BJP is keen to capitalize on this matter, especially with municipal elections approaching,” he claimed, criticizing the BJP for its contradictory stance.

Wadettiwar also addressed the Supreme Court's comments regarding Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and the issue of Chinese intrusion, asserting that it is his right to question the central government.

“It is inappropriate for judges to suggest that a true patriot cannot voice concerns about the Chinese incursion. Opposition leaders have a responsibility to question the government regarding national issues. Judges should refrain from making declarations about who is a true patriot. If a BJP spokesperson can ascend to the judiciary, then judges commenting on opposition leaders may erode public trust in the judiciary. Judges must avoid statements that undermine democracy in our nation,” he concluded.